Apple has released a new software update that will help keep consumers’ phones safe in the event their devices are stolen.
The new feature is called Stolen Device Protection, and it’s been added to all devices that utilize iOS 17.3 and later. When the feature is enabled, if a consumer’s phone is stolen, the thief won’t be able to perform key functions on the phone, including changing the device passcode or Apple ID password.
Apple is encouraging iPhone users to update their devices to the most recent software and turn this feature on to ensure optimal security of their phones.
How does it work?
What are the key features of Stolen Device Protection?
The feature is designed to limit a thief’s ability to perform certain functions on an iPhone. The feature is activated when the phone is away from regularly-visited locations, like a user’s home or workplace.
Some of the key features that are locked when the phone is in Stolen Device Protection include:
Accessing the Apple Card virtual credit card number
Using any password saved in the keychain
Using the phone to set up a new device
Erasing any content or settings from the phone
Applying for a new Apple Card
Using any payments saved in Safari
Accessing certain features in Apple Cash or Apple Savings, like money transfers
The ability to turn off Lost Mode
The second portion of Stolen Device Protection is the Security Delay feature, which will require the user to wait an hour before performing any security actions, and then mandate them to complete either Face ID or Touch ID to access them. With Security Delay activated, the following features are locked:
Changing Apple ID password
Turn off Find My
Change your device passcode
Turn off Stolen Device Protection
Sign out of your Apple ID
Add or remove Face ID or Touch ID
Reset All Settings
Update Apple ID security settings
When the device detects a familiar location, the security delay can be deactivated, but the user must authenticate the device with either Face or Touch ID.
With all of these features locked, iPhone users can rest assured that their personal information, payment information, and passwords are safe and secure. This will help limit the number of consumers who get locked out of their accounts when their phones are stolen.
How do you download it?
The first step is to update your iPhone to the most recent operating system, iOS 17.3 This will be available on all models of iPhone from XS to 15.
Once the phone is updated, users can go to Settings, and navigate to either Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode. Once you input the device passcode and scroll down, you can turn on Security Device Protection.
In order for Security Device Protection to work as designed, iPhone users need to activate: two-factor authentication for your Apple ID, set up a device passcode and Face ID or Touch ID, and input Significant Locations.